Apparatus and method for mounting a sound masking device in a hotel room

ABSTRACT

An apparatus and method for mounting a sound masking component or device to an existing electronic component, appliance, or a furnishing installed or located in a hotel room or other interior space. According to an embodiment, the existing electronic component or appliance comprises a television set. The television set includes a pre-existing mounting mechanism for attaching a television wall-mounting bracket. The sound masking component further includes a mounting bracket wherein the mounting bracket is configured to be secured to the pre-existing mounting mechanism on the television set. According to another embodiment, the sound masking component is mounted internally inside the television set and configured to receive power from the television power supply and emit a sound masking signal utilizing a television speaker or a separate sound masking speaker.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to sound masking systems, and moreparticularly, to an apparatus and method for mounting a sound maskingdevice or component in a hotel room or other interior space.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the art, installing a sound masking device in a hotel room, or otherinterior space, presents certain challenges in both new and retrofitinstallations.

In a new installation, e.g. new construction, unfinished walls andinterior coverings provide the flexibility to freely install the soundmasking device and the associated cables for power and user control.However, there are still costs associated with the installations.

In a retrofit installation, one or more of the following considerationscan be factors. First, the cost of installing physical cabling toconnect and/or power the system is much higher given the finished wallsand ceilings.

Second, in a hotel application, the speaker component in a sound maskingsystem or device needs to ideally be mounted or installed in thesleeping area for dispersing the sound masking emission and providingeffective sound masking for the occupant(s) of the room. This can beproblematic in a hotel room. The ceiling is typically not an option asmany hotels are constructed with concrete ceilings and floors, and thereis no suspended ceiling for installing the sound masking device orspeaker component. Similarly, walls may not have sufficient depth orspace for installing a sound masking device or speaker component. Inaddition, installing or running cables and power line or feeds may posechallenges and increased costs for retrofit installations. Even in roomswith bulkheads that run services, there still may not be sufficientspace or clearance to run additional cables, power lines and/or installa sound masking device or a speaker component. Furthermore, installingthe speaker component on existing furnishings or surfaces is non-trivialfor both functional and esthetic considerations.

Third, a retrofit installation requires a power feed which may notalways be available for the installation point. Having a free, unusedmains outlet, proximate the installation location can be problematic,particularly, in older builds with limited outlets. Adding a new powersource, e.g. a mains outlet, can be very expensive. Similarly,installing control cables for the sound masking device and/or speakercomponent can also be problematic and/or expensive for similar reasons.

For effective user control, the sound masking device controls should beconveniently located for the user, which may not be where the maskingdevice is installed. In a retrofit installation, running the controlcabling between the sound masking device, i.e. user control, and thespeaker component can require extensive ‘fishing’ of cables between thecomponents. Often this results in the user control module beinginstalled in a user inconvenient location, e.g. on the wall or othersurface beside the speaker component, which could be across the roomfrom a convenient location for the user.

As a result, sound masking devices will not always be installed in theideal location, which consequently results in the sound masking emissionnot be properly dispersed in the room, or the full benefits of soundmasking being realized. In other instances, sound masking deviceinstallation may not be considered at all due to installation and/orretrofit costs and expenses. Thereby, eliminating the benefits of soundmasking, particularly, in a potentially noise susceptible environmentssuch as hotel rooms.

Accordingly, there remains a need for improvements in the art.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method formounting a sound masking component or device in a hotel room or otherinterior space.

According to one embodiment, the present invention comprises a soundmasking device configured for mounting on an appliance, on a furnishingor a fixture in a room, the sound masking device comprises: a soundmasking component; a mounting mechanism or bracket configured forsupporting the sound masking component; and the mounting bracket beingfurther configured to mount to a surface of the furnishing or on or inthe appliance or on or in the fixture, out of normal view in the room.

According to another embodiment, the present invention comprises a soundmasking device configured for mounting away from visible view inrelation to a television set in a room, the sound masking devicecomprises: a sound masking component; an enclosure configured forsupporting the sound masking component; and the enclosure including amounting mechanism configured to mount the sound masking component to astructural surface adjacent the television set, wherein the structuralsurface is typically out of normal view in the room.

According to further embodiment, the present invention comprises a soundmasking device configured for mounting to a television set in a room,the sound masking device comprises: a sound masking component; anenclosure configured for housing the sound masking component; and theenclosure being further configured to mount to a surface of thetelevision set.

According to yet another embodiment, the present invention comprises asound masking device configured for mounting inside a television setlocated in a room, the sound masking device comprises: a sound maskingcomponent configured to generate a sound masking output signal; thesound masking component including a power input for coupling to a powersupply of the television set; and the sound masking component includingan output for coupling to an output speaker and the speaker beingconfigured to emit the sound masking output signal into the room.

Other aspects and features of the present invention will become apparentto those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the followingdescription of embodiments of the invention in conjunction with theaccompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings which show, byway of example, embodiments of the present invention, and in which:

FIG. 1 shows in diagrammatic form an appliance comprising a flat screentelevision suitable for use with a sound masking device according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows in a diagrammatic form a flat screen television configuredwith a table-top stand or pedestal;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the flat screen television of FIG. 2 with asound masking component installed according to an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 4 is a back view of the flat screen television of FIG. 2 showingwall-hanging bracket installation holes in more detail and the soundmasking component installed with a mounting bracket according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 shows an exemplary implementation of a sound masking system;

FIG. 6A shows a mounting configuration according to another embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 6B shows a mounting configuration according to another embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 6C shows a mounting configuration according to another embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 6D shows another mounting configuration according to an embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 7A shows a sound masking component configured to be installedinternally in a television set according to an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 7B shows a sound masking component configured to be installedinternally in a television set according to another embodiment of thepresent invention; and

FIG. 7C shows a remote control configured for use with the sound maskingcomponent of FIGS. 7A and 7B.

Like reference numerals indicate like or corresponding elements orcomponents in the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Reference is first made to FIG. 1, which shows an appliance, i.e. a flatscreen television set or TV, suitable for use with or practisingembodiments according to the present invention. The flat screentelevision set or TV is indicated generally by reference 100. Thetelevision set 100 can be configured with a table-top stand or pedestal110 as shown in FIG. 2 for supporting the television 100 on a surface,such as, the top of a cabinet, indicated generally by reference 10. Thetelevision set 100 can also be mounted on a surface, e.g. a wall, usinga wall-mounting bracket. As will be described in more detail, thepresent invention comprises embodiments of a sound masking device andmounting brackets or mechanisms and configurations for mounting thesound masking device on the back of a television set, i.e. an appliance,fixture (e.g. a light fixture), or other furnishings, such as those,typically found in a hotel room or the like.

According to an embodiment, a sound masking device indicated generallyby reference 200 is mounted or secured on the back of the television set100 with a pedestal stand 110 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. As shown, thesound masking device 200 is situated between the back of the televisionset 100 and a rear wall 30 or surface. According to one aspect, thisarrangement provides the capability to utilize the wall 30 (and/or otherproximate surfaces) to reflect and disperse the sound masking soundwaves emitted from the sound masking device 200 into the room, therebyproviding acoustic privacy and/or diminishing noise emanating frominside or outside the rooms. According to another aspect, the soundmasking device 200 is conveniently powered utilizing an adjacent mainsoutlet 20 or a pass-through outlet on the television set 100 (ifavailable).

According to an exemplary embodiment and as depicted in FIG. 5, thesound masking device 200 comprises a sound masking sound generator 510,a sound masking speaker or speaker component 520 and a control module530. The control module 530 is operatively coupled to the sound maskingsound generator 510 and configured to control the operation andfunctions associated with the operation of the sound masking device,including sound masking signal(s) generation, sound masking signaloutput volume level, power on and off, sound masking signal outputfrequency or spectrum. The sound masking sound generator 510 has anoutput operatively coupled to the sound masking speaker 520. The soundmasking speaker 520 includes an amplifier module 522 configured toincrease or decrease the output level, i.e. the volume, of sound maskingsignal from the sound masking sound generator 510 and emitted by thesound masking speaker 520. According to an exemplary implementation, thecontrol module 530 is configured to generate volume control signals forthe amplifier module 522 in response to inputs or settings entered by auser or a technician. According to another exemplary implementation orembodiment, the control module 530 includes a communication interface532, i.e. a wireless communication interface 533, for instanceimplemented using Bluetooth technology or other short distance wirelesscommunication or other wireless signaling protocol, as will beunderstood by one skilled in the art. The control module 530 isconfigured is provide the capability for a remote-control unit, forexample, a tabletop unit, indicated generally by reference 540 totransmit user control inputs or signals, such as, volume up, volumedown, power on, power off, and the like. According to another aspect,the communication interface 532 comprises a network interface indicatedgenerally by reference 535. The network interface 535 is configured toprovide the capability to network or interface the sound masking device200 with a control and/or communication network for receiving, forexample, firmware/software updates, control/status commands/requests,and/or networked control of a plurality of sound masking devices, forexample installed in hotel rooms on a particular floor. The networkinterface 535 according to an exemplary implementation comprises awireless communication interface configured for WIFI. According toanother exemplary implementation, the network interface 535 comprises anEthernet network cable port for coupling to a pre-wired Ethernet networkin the room/hotel. The particular implementation details for the soundmasking device 200 will be readily understood by one skilled in the art,for example, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,107,639, which issued tothe Assignee in common with the subject application, and which isincorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

According to an exemplary implementation, the sound masking device 200comprises an enclosure or housing indicated generally by reference 250.The enclosure or housing 250 is configured to hold the componentscomprising the sound masking device 200 (FIG. 5), i.e. the sound maskingsound generator 510, the sound masking speaker 520 and the amplifiermodule 522, and the control module 530. The enclosure 250 is configuredwith a grill or other type of opening(s) to facilitate the emission ofsound masking sound waves from the sound masking speaker component 520.According to another aspect, the sound making device 200 includes aninternal or external DC power supply 560 or a power supply input forconnecting to an external power supply, which is plugged into a mainsoutlet, for example, a plug outlet integrated in the TV or a plug in amains outlet 20 used to power the television set 100, for example, asillustrated in FIG. 3. According to another aspect, the sound maskingdevice 200 includes a pass-through outlet 562, for example, to power anyadditional electronic components.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the sound masking device200 includes a mounting bracket indicated generally by reference 300, asshown in FIGS. 4 and 5. The mounting bracket 300 is configured toreceive and hold or mount the sound masking device 200. The mountingbracket 300 may be constructed from a light weight metal, such asaluminum, or a rigid plastic material, for example. According to anexemplary implementation, the housing or enclosure 250 is attached tothe mounting bracket 300 using screws 252, indicated individually byreferences 252A, 252B, 252C and 252D, in FIG. 5. It will be appreciatedthat other types of fasteners may be utilized to secure or attach thehousing 250 (and sound masking device 200) to the mounting bracket 300.

According to an embodiment, the mounting bracket 300 is configured to bemounted or secured to the back of the television set 100 using apre-existing mounting mechanism found or installed on the television set100. According to an embodiment, the mounting bracket 300 is configuredto be secured to one or more of the pre-existing mounting holesinstalled on the back of the television set 100 for attaching awall-mounting bracket (not shown), indicated generally by reference 120in FIG. 4. The pre-existing wall-mounting bracket holes 120, i.e. tappedmachine screw holes, have a pre-determined spacing and configurationaccording to industry standard for the manufacture of television setsand compatible wall-mounting brackets. In an exemplary implementation,the wall-mounting bracket holes comprise four machine screw holes spaced7.9″ apart, and the mounting bracket 300 is configured withcorresponding mounting holes 310, indicated individually by references310A, 310B, 310C and 310D. The mounting bracket 300 together with thesound masking device 200 are mounted or secured to the back of thetelevision set 100 using machine screws 312, as depicted in FIG. 4.

Reference is made back to FIG. 3, which shows the sound masking device200 mounted on the back of the television set 100 between the televisionset 100 and a wall, indicated generally by reference 30. According toanother aspect, the sound masking speaker 220 is mounted inside thesound masking device enclosure or housing 250 to face the wall 30. Thisconfiguration utilizes the wall 30 to reflect and disperse the soundmasking sound wave(s) emitted by the speaker 220 outwards and into thespace of the hotel room.

According to another embodiment, the sound masking device 200 isattached to a mounting bracket which is offset from the wall-mountingbracket holes 120, as shown in broken outline in FIG. 4 and indicatedgenerally by reference 400. As shown, the mounting bracket 400 is offsetand secured utilizing the two mounting holes 310A and 310C. It will beappreciated that the offset mounting bracket 400 is suitable forinstallations wherein the television set 100 is mounted using awall-mounting bracket (not shown). It will also be appreciated that forconfined spaces, such as mounting with a wall-mounting bracket in place,the dimensions and profile of the sound masking device 200 and enclosure250, and/or the speaker component 220 are configured/dimensioned to fitbetween the television set 100 and the rear wall or mounting surface 30for the wall bracket.

According to another embodiment, the sound masking device 200 isconfigured and installed with the sound masking speaker 520 (andamplifier module 522) separately mounted on the back of the televisionset 100 utilizing a mounting bracket 300 (or 400) as described above.The sound masking sound generator 510 and control module 530 are locatedremotely from the speaker component 520 and operatively coupled througha cable or a wireless link. The particular implementation details of thehardwired or wireless link will be readily within the understanding ofone skilled in the art.

While the sound masking device 200 and the mounting brackets 300, 400are described in the context of a television installation above, it willbe appreciated that the mounting brackets 300, 400 may be utilized tomount or install the sound masking device 200 on the rear or undersideof other furnishings or furniture pieces or fixtures or other appliancesnormally found in a hotel room. For instance, the sound masking device200 can be mounted on the back of a cabinet or dresser, or underneath atable or desk or hidden by a lamp shade.

Reference is next made to FIG. 6A, which shows a mounting configurationaccording to another embodiment of the present invention and indicatedgenerally by reference 610. As shown in FIG. 6A, a sound maskinggenerator indicated by reference 210 is attached to a rear surface ofthe television set 100 outside of the pre-existing mounting mechanism,for example, double side tape or other suitable adhesive or fastener(s).The sound masking generator 210 includes a power cord 212 which may beplugged into a mains outlet, for example, the outlet 20 as depicted inFIG. 3. In the alternative, if the television 100 is equipped with anauxiliary outlet 102, the sound masking generator 210 may be poweredusing the auxiliary outlet 102.

Reference is made to FIG. 6B, which shows a mounting configurationaccording to another embodiment and indicated generally by reference620. According to the embodiment, a sound masking generator indicatedgenerally by reference 220 is mounted or positioned on the cabinet 10,or other piece of furniture, for example, a TV stand. According to anexemplary implementation, the sound masking generator 220 is AC mains orline powered and includes a power cord 222 which is plugged into thewall outlet 20 (FIG. 3) or the auxiliary outlet 102 available on thetelevision set 100.

Reference is next made to FIG. 6C, which shows another mountingconfiguration according to an embodiment of the present invention andindicated generally by reference 630. According to this embodiment, asound masking generator 230 is configured behind the television set 100,i.e. out of normal sight or the viewing angle of an occupant, andattached to the wall 30 using suitable fasteners, for example, screw ormechanical type fasteners, double-sided tape or other adhesive typefasteners. The sound masking generator 230 is AC mains or line poweredand includes a power cord 232 which is plugged into an AC outlet 21 onthe wall 30.

Reference is next made to FIG. 6D, which shows another mountingconfiguration according to an embodiment of the present invention andindicated generally by reference 640. According to the embodiment, thesound masking device comprises a sound masking generator module 240 anda sound masking speaker module 242. The sound masking generator module240 comprises a sound masking signal generator, a control module and acommunication interface (for example, as described above with referenceto FIG. 5) and is configured to generate a sound masking signal outputwhich is fed or inputted by the sound masking speaker module 242, forexample, over a cable or hardwired connection indicated by reference241. The sound masking speaker module 242 is implemented with a speakerand an amplifier (for example as described above). The sound maskinggenerator module 240 and/or the sound masking speaker module 242 can beconfigured with individual power supplies or a single power supply thatpowers both modules, plugged into a mains outlet. According to anexemplary implementation, the sound masking speaker module 242 iscontained in an enclosure or housing 244 that is attached to the side ofthe television set 100. The sound masking generator module 240 ismounted completely or partially behind the television set 100, forexample as described above. According to another embodiment, the soundmasking generator module 240 and the sound masking speaker module 242are configured and contained in a single housing or enclosure indicatedgenerally by reference 246. The combined sound masking generator andspeaker module 246 can be mounted to any side of the television set 100,for example, the top edge of the set 100 as depicted in FIG. 6D.According to an exemplary implementation, the combined sound maskinggenerator and speaker module 246 are configured in a low-profile housingarrangement or housing, for example, as depicted in FIG. 6D.

Reference is next made to FIGS. 7A and 7B, which shows embodiments of asound masking generator integrated or built-in to the television set100, i.e. the appliance, according to the present invention.

FIG. 7A shows a sound masking generator mounted internally andintegrated with the television set 100 and configured to use one or moreexisting television speakers according to an embodiment of the presentinvention. As shown in FIG. 7A, the television set 100 is configuredwith internal electronic circuitry indicated generally by reference 120,a speaker or speaker array indicated generally by reference 122 and apower supply, for example, a DC power supply indicated generally byreference 130. The sound masking generator is indicated generally byreference 260 and is housed or mounted inside the television set housingor chassis and operatively coupled to the power supply 130. According toan embodiment, the sound masking generator 260 is coupled to the powersupply 130 through a power supply feed module 264. According to anexemplary implementation, the power supply feed module 264 is configuredto provide power to the sound masking generator 260 (and the speakerarray 122) when the television is turned off or in a sleep mode, asdescribed in more detail below. The sound masking generator 260 may alsoinclude a remote receiver control module indicated generally byreference 262. According to an exemplary implementation, the remotereceiver control module 262 is configured to receive sound maskingcontrol signals from a remote device, e.g. an infrared handheld remote,a Bluetooth enabled remote device or an app installed on a Bluetoothenabled smartphone. The sound masking control signals may include volumecontrol, sound masking output frequency control, and/or timer controlfunctions. According to another embodiment, the remote receiver controlmodule 262 is integrated or coupled with the television remote controlreceiver module in the electronic circuitry 120 of the television set100. In accordance with this embodiment, the sound masking functions canalso be integrated with or built into a television remote, for example,as depicted in FIG. 7C, and indicated generally by reference 700.

Referring to FIG. 7C, the exemplary television remote 700 comprises apower on/off button 710, an array of television control function controlbuttons indicated generally by reference 720 and a sound masking controlpanel or control button array indicated generally by reference 730. Thetelevision remote may also include a “SLEEP” button 712. According to anexemplary implementation, the sound masking controls 730 include a soundmasking on/off button 732, a sound masking volume up/down button 734,and a sound masking output sound signal control button 736.

In operation and according to an exemplary implementation, the soundmasking generator 260 is configured to generate a sound masking signalwhich is fed to and outputted by the television speaker array 122 intothe hotel room. According to an exemplary implementation, the soundmasking generator 260 is configured to output the sound masking signalwhen the television set is off or in sleep mode in order to maintain thefidelity of the sound signals being generated and also fed in thespeaker array 122 when a user has turned on the set 100 and is watchinga program. According to another aspect, the sound masking generator 260may be configured to always be on and the sound masking output signaland the television audio output signals would be fed to the speakerarray 122 and effectively mixed. The sound masking volume up/down button734 may be used to control the volume of the sound masking signalemitted by the speaker array 122 independently of the volume of theaudio signal being emitted for the television. According to anotheraspect, the sound masking generator 260 may be configured to allow theuser to selectively turn on and off the sound masking function, forexample, using the sound masking on/off button 732 on the remote device700 (FIG. 7C) and/or control the volume of the sound masking output.According to another exemplary implementation, the sound maskinggenerator 260 is configured to automatically turn on when the televisionset 100 is put into sleep mode.

Reference is next made to FIG. 7B, which shows a sound masking generator270 according to another embodiment of the present invention. In FIG.7B, the television set 100 is depicted in a side and cutaway viewshowing a partial view of the inside of the television set. The soundmasking generator 270 is configured in a similar fashion to the soundmasking generator 260 of FIG. 7A as described above. The sound maskinggenerator 270 is operatively coupled to the television power supply,i.e. the internal DC power supply 130. In contrast to the embodimentshown in FIG. 7A, the sound masking generator 270 is configured tooperate with a dedicated or independent speaker indicated by reference272 in FIG. 7B. The implementation of sound masking module 270 mayinclude a power supply feed module 274, which is configured to providepower to the sound masking generator 270 and the sound masking speaker272 when the television is turned off or in a sleep mode, for example,in a manner similar to that described above. The sound masking module270 may also be coupled to a remote receiver control module indicatedgenerally by reference 276, which is implemented and operates in amanner similar to the remote receiver control module 262, as describedabove with reference to FIG. 7A. According to another aspect, the soundmasking generator 270 may be configured with a network communicationinterface indicated generally by reference 278. The networkcommunication interface 278 is configured to provide the capability tonetwork or interface the sound masking device 270 with a control and/orcommunication network for receiving firmware/software updates,control/status commands/requests, for example, and/or networked controlof a plurality of sound masking devices, for example, installed in hotelrooms on a particular floor, as described above. According to anotheraspect, the television 100 can comprise a “Smart Television” with abuilt-in network communication component for coupling to wireless or awired local area network, wide area network, or WIFI for connecting tothe Internet. According to another embodiment, the network communicationinterface 278 is configured to interface directly with the built-innetwork communication component, thereby providing communication andcontrol functions for the sound masking device 270, for example, asdescribed above.

As shown in FIG. 7B, the sound masking speaker 272 is mounted orconfigured in a rear facing orientation or position. According to anexemplary implementation, the rear of the television set 100 includesopenings or a grill indicated generally by reference 273. The speakergrill 273 is configured to facilitate the propagation of the soundmasking signal emitted by the speaker 272 from the rear of thetelevision set 100, and further dispersal of the sound masking signalreflecting off the adjacent surface 30, e.g. wall or cabinet enclosure.

In operation and according to an exemplary implementation, the soundmasking generator 270 is configured to generate a sound masking signalwhich is fed to and outputted by the sound masking speaker 272.According to an exemplary implementation, the sound masking generator270 is configured to output the sound masking signal when the televisionset is off or in sleep mode, for example, through operation of the powersupply feed module 274. According to another aspect, the sound maskinggenerator 270 may be configured to allow the user to selectively turn onand off the sound masking function, for example, using the sound maskingon/off button 732 on the remote device 700 (FIG. 7C) and/or control thevolume of the sound masking output. According to another exemplaryimplementation, the sound masking generator 270 is configured toautomatically turn on when the television set 100 is put into sleepmode.

The particular technical implementation details of the television setcomponents and electronics, and the specific connections andimplementation particulars for internally mounting the sound maskingcomponent, configuring the sound masking control and operationalfunctions in conjunction with the television electronics and componentswill be within the understanding of those skilled in the art.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. Certainadaptations and modifications of the invention will be obvious to thoseskilled in the art. Therefore, the presently discussed embodiments areconsidered to be illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of theinvention being indicated by the appended claims rather than theforegoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning andrange of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embracedtherein.

1. A sound masking device configured for mounting on an appliance in aroom, said sound masking device comprising: a sound masking component; amounting bracket configured for supporting said sound masking component;and said mounting bracket being further configured to mount to a surfaceof the appliance, wherein said surface is out of normal view in theroom.
 2. The sound masking device as claimed in claim 1, wherein saidappliance comprises a television set having a rear surface, and saidrear surface including one or more pre-existing mounting holes, and saidmounting bracket including a plurality of mounting holes for securingsaid sound masking component to said one or more pre-existing mountingholes.
 3. The sound masking device as claimed in claim 2, wherein saidpre-existing mounting holes comprise a plurality of wall-bracketmounting holes installed on the back of the television.
 4. The soundmasking device as claimed in claim 2, wherein said pre-existing mountingholes comprise a spacing defined according to an industry standard. 5.The sound masking device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said soundmasking component comprises a speaker, and said speaker is configured toface away from said mounting bracket and towards a surface adjacent theappliance, so that sound masking sound waves emitted from said speakerare reflected by said surface and dispersed into the room.
 6. The soundmasking device as claimed in claim 1, further including a remote controlmodule, said remote control module being operatively coupled to saidsound masking component, and configured to control operation of saidsound masking component in response to a user input.
 7. The soundmasking device as claimed in claim 6, wherein said sound maskingcomponent includes a wireless communication interface, and said remotecontrol module is configured to control operation of said sound maskingcomponent over a wireless communication link.
 8. A sound masking deviceconfigured for mounting away from visible view in relation to atelevision set in a room, said sound masking device comprising: a soundmasking component; an enclosure configured for supporting said soundmasking component; and said enclosure including a mounting mechanismconfigured to mount said sound masking component to a structural surfaceadjacent the television set, wherein said structural surface is out ofnormal view in the room.
 9. The sound masking device as claimed in claim8, wherein the television set is supported by a furnishing and saidstructural surface comprises a horizontal surface of said furnishing andsaid sound masking component is mounted on said horizontal surface. 10.The sound masking device as claimed in claim 8, wherein the televisionset is supported by a furnishing and said structural surface comprises avertical surface of said furnishing and said enclosure is affixed tosaid vertical surface for mounting said sound masking component.
 11. Thesound masking device as claimed in claim 10, wherein said furnishingcomprises a cabinet having a back wall and first and second side walls,and said vertical surface comprising one of said first side wall andsaid second side wall and said back wall.
 12. The sound masking deviceas claimed in claim 8, wherein said structural surface comprises a wallbehind the television set.
 13. A sound masking device configured formounting to a television set in a room, said sound masking devicecomprising: a sound masking component; an enclosure configured forhousing said sound masking component; and said enclosure being furtherconfigured to mount to a surface of the television set.
 14. The soundmasking device as claimed in claim 13, wherein said surface of thetelevision set is out of normal view in the room.
 15. The sound maskingdevice as claimed in claim 14, wherein an adhesive is utilized to attachsaid enclosure and said sound masking component to said surface of thetelevision set.
 16. A sound masking device configured for mountinginternally to a television set located in a room, said sound maskingdevice comprising: a sound masking component configured to generate asound masking output signal; said sound masking component including apower input for coupling to a power supply of the television set; andsaid sound masking component including an output for coupling to anoutput speaker and said speaker being configured to emit the soundmasking output signal into the room.
 17. The sound masking device asclaimed in claim 16, further including a remote receiver control module,said remote receiver control module being configured to receive one ormore control signals from a remote control device, wherein said soundmasking component is configured to be responsive to said one or morecontrol signals.
 18. The sound masking device as claimed in claim 16,further including a power supply feed module configured to provide apower feed to said power input of said sound masking componentindependent of the operating state of the television set.
 19. The soundmasking device as claimed in claim 16, wherein the television setincludes one or more speakers, and said output speaker comprises one ofsaid one or more speakers.
 20. The sound masking device as claimed inclaim 16, wherein said output speaker comprises a sound masking speakercoupled to said sound masking component.